1 / 6Show Caption +Hide Caption –Logisticians assigned to the 1st Battalion, 503rd Infantry Regiment, 173rd Airborne Brigade out of Vicenza, Italy, and Lithuanian Armed Forces' Main Support Battalion, Logistic Support Command, conducted combined logistic operations as part of Baltic Push in Atari, Latvia, Sept. 23. Baltic Push provided an opportunity for U.S. and Lithuanian logistic units to work together to sustain NATO forces across international borders and is part of Operation Atlantic Resolve, an ongoing, multinational partnership focused on combined-training and security cooperation between the U.S. and other NATO allies. (Photo by U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Brooks Fletcher, 16th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment) (Photo Credit: Staff Sgt. Brooks Fletcher)VIEW ORIGINAL2 / 6Show Caption +Hide Caption –U.S. Army Pfc. Bobby Quinn, a paratrooper assigned to the 1st Battalion, 503rd Infantry Regiment, 173rd Airborne Brigade out of Vicenza, Italy, fills out a fuel log during logistic operations as part of Baltic Push in Atari, Latvia, Sept. 23. Baltic Push provided an opportunity for U.S. and Lithuanian logistic units to work together to sustain NATO forces across international borders and is part of Operation Atlantic Resolve, an ongoing, multinational partnership focused on combined-training and security cooperation between the U.S. and other NATO allies. (Photo by U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Brooks Fletcher, 16th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment) (Photo Credit: Staff Sgt. Brooks Fletcher)VIEW ORIGINAL3 / 6Show Caption +Hide Caption –U.S. Army Pfc. Amador Liendo, a paratrooper assigned to the 1st Battalion, 503rd Infantry Regiment, 173rd Airborne Brigade out of Vicenza, Italy, fuels a Lithuanian cargo truck during logistic operations as part of Baltic Push in Atari, Latvia, Sept. 23. Baltic Push provided an opportunity for U.S. and Lithuanian logistic units to work together to sustain NATO forces across international borders and is part of Operation Atlantic Resolve, an ongoing, multinational partnership focused on combined-training and security cooperation between the U.S. and other NATO allies. (Photo by U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Brooks Fletcher, 16th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment) (Photo Credit: Staff Sgt. Brooks Fletcher)VIEW ORIGINAL4 / 6Show Caption +Hide Caption –Lithuanian Armed Forces Cpl. Edvardas Jaskelevicius, a logistician assigned to the Lithuanian Main Support Battalion, Logistic Support Command, guides a tow receiving to a disabled vehicle as apart logistic operations as part of Baltic Push in Atari, Latvia, Sept. 23. Baltic Push provided an opportunity for U.S. and Lithuanian logistic units to work together to sustain NATO forces across international borders and is part of Operation Atlantic Resolve, an ongoing, multinational partnership focused on combined-training and security cooperation between the U.S. and other NATO allies. (Photo by U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Brooks Fletcher, 16th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment) (Photo Credit: Staff Sgt. Brooks Fletcher)VIEW ORIGINAL5 / 6Show Caption +Hide Caption –U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Eddie Taylor, a paratrooper assigned to 1st Battalion, 503rd Infantry Regiment, 173rd Airborne Brigade out of Vicenza, Italy, ties down cargo and supplies received from Lithuanian counterparts during logistic operations as part of Baltic Push in Atari, Latvia, Sept. 23. Baltic Push provided an opportunity for U.S. and Lithuanian logistic units to work together to sustain NATO forces across international borders and is part of Operation Atlantic Resolve, an ongoing, multinational partnership focused on combined-training and security cooperation between the U.S. and other NATO allies. (Photo by U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Brooks Fletcher, 16th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment) (Photo Credit: Staff Sgt. Brooks Fletcher)VIEW ORIGINAL6 / 6Show Caption +Hide Caption –U.S. Army Spc. Tyler Brueck, a paratrooper assigned to the 1st Battalion, 503rd Infantry Regiment, 173rd Airborne Brigade out of Vicenza, Italy, prepares to tow vehicle during logistic operations as part of Baltic Push in Atari, Latvia, Sept. 23. Baltic Push provided an opportunity for U.S. and Lithuanian logistic units to work together to sustain NATO forces across international borders and is part of Operation Atlantic Resolve, an ongoing, multinational partnership focused on combined-training and security cooperation between the U.S. and other NATO allies. (Photo by U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Brooks Fletcher, 16th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment) (Photo Credit: Staff Sgt. Brooks Fletcher)VIEW ORIGINAL

These operations were a part of Baltic Push, an exercise that provided U.S. and Lithuanian logistic units an opportunity to work together to sustain NATO forces training in the European theater.

"What we are trying to do is demonstrate and execute various levels of distribution and support across international borders," said Capt. Thadd Wilson, commander of Gamble Co., 1st Battalion, 503rd Infantry Regiment. "By having two NATO countries working together and operating in a third NATO country, demonstrates the freedom of movement that is vital to the OAR [Operation Atlantic Resolve] mission."

Operation Atlantic Resolve, is an ongoing, multinational partnership focused on joint training and security cooperation between the U.S. and other NATO allies. The First Rock was the first U.S. unit to deploy into the Baltic and Black Sea region in support of OAR in 2014 following Russia's annexation of Crimea, demonstrating its solidarity with NATO allies.

Based out of Marijampole, Lithuania, the airborne-qualified logisticians of Gamble Co., have worked alongside of soldiers from the Lithuanian MSB for the past four months on everything from vehicle recovery and night vision driving to distribution operations.

Baltic Push, a round-trip tactical convoy operation from Lithuania to Latvia, allowed the two units the opportunity to put those collective training exercises into action.

"Baltic Push allows the MSB to act as it would in a deployed environment, but instead of supporting our own forward support companies, we are supporting the U.S. and vice versa," said 2nd Lt. Povilas Stanaitis, platoon leader in the Lithuanian MSB. "This is big for us. Lithuania is a really small country, so it means a lot for our troops to work outside their force, especially with such a respected NATO partner.

The Lithuanian MSB tactical operations center based in Latvia, which is structured like the First Rock Battalion, is providing command and control over its subordinate companies in the Baltic and Black Sea region and has integrated Gamble Co. into its own command structure.

For Stanaitis, being able to work so closely with the U.S. is more than just another training experience.

"This sends a distinct message. But not just to the Baltic States, to the world," added Stanaitis, who has only served in the Lithuanian Armed Forces for 13 months. "It shows that NATO has a 'ready-to-help' attitude and supports the alliance no matter what. I'm proud to be a part of it."

Wilson, whose Gamble Co., will be replaced by the forward support company from 3rd Battalion, 69th Armor Regiment, 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division out of Fort Stewart, Ga., later this year, said while logistic training may not have all of the "cool" shooting and explosions found in infantry or armored training, he feels its strategic value and impact is what counts.

"Ultimately, we are working to streamline the ability for NATO countries to move between all of the countries in the region," said Wilson, Rockville, Md. native and eight-year Army veteran. "Whenever NATO partners work together it helps strengthen the alliance, so it's been a good opportunity for everyone to come together, combine assets, and work across borders."